When it comes to destinations perfect for hiking in Texas, there are seemingly never-ending options; however, there is no denying that some of the best hikes are ones that lead somewhere unexpected, and the trail through the Tin Mines in El Paso is definitely one such adventure. The easy, 6.6-mile Tin Mines Trail in the beautiful Franklin Mountains State Park leads to a set of abandoned tin mines, and you can even go inside and explore!
Tucked away in the criminally underrated Franklin Mountains State Park, the El Paso Tin Mines Trail is an easy, 6.6-mile hike with an elevation gain of just over 1,000 feet.
AllTrails/Vanessa Gonzalez Between the breathtaking scenery and abandoned tin mines near the end of the trail, it’s a bucket-list-worthy adventure for all ages.
You’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic vistas of the city for almost the entire duration of the hike, in addition to the sprawling mountains after which the park is named.
AllTrails/Jorge Carrillo Don’t forget your camera! Picture-perfect moments are waiting at every turn.
Before actually coming upon the mines, you’ll first see them looming up ahead.
AllTrails/Jorge Carrillo The trail isn’t very well marked, so it helps to see where you’re trying to go.
Once you’ve found your way to the mines, the entrance is impossible to miss.
AllTrails/Jorge Carrillo A paved walkway leads into the deep, dark abyss, so hikers of almost all skill levels should have no trouble.
A word of caution, however: bring a flashlight.
AllTrails/Jorge Carrillo It’s quite dark in the mines, so if you’re looking to go all the way in, having a light source is crucial.
Inside, the craggy rock walls beckon you to venture deeper into their clutches.
AllTrails/Sean Robertson Who knows what you’ll encounter? The spirits of mineworkers who met a tragic demise? The only way to know for sure is to see for yourself.
On a much lighter note, the park is full of fun photo-ops to remember your trip by.
AllTrails/Jacob Meraz Strike your best pose, add a cheesy smile for good measure, and enjoy the everlasting memories that go along with having a great time.
Want to get a closer look at the El Paso Tin Mines? Check out the video below for a closer look at this unique destination in Texas!
AllTrails/Vanessa Gonzalez
Between the breathtaking scenery and abandoned tin mines near the end of the trail, it’s a bucket-list-worthy adventure for all ages.
AllTrails/Jorge Carrillo
Don’t forget your camera! Picture-perfect moments are waiting at every turn.
The trail isn’t very well marked, so it helps to see where you’re trying to go.
A paved walkway leads into the deep, dark abyss, so hikers of almost all skill levels should have no trouble.
It’s quite dark in the mines, so if you’re looking to go all the way in, having a light source is crucial.
AllTrails/Sean Robertson
Who knows what you’ll encounter? The spirits of mineworkers who met a tragic demise? The only way to know for sure is to see for yourself.
AllTrails/Jacob Meraz
Strike your best pose, add a cheesy smile for good measure, and enjoy the everlasting memories that go along with having a great time.
Well, what do you think? Are you ready to explore the Tin Mines in El Paso? Of course you are, and we don’t blame you! For more information about the Tin Mines Trail, check out the Franklin Mountains State Park website.
So, have you ever hiked along the Tin Mines Trail? If so, how was it and what did you think of the trek? We would love to hear all about your experience, so make sure to share your thoughts with us!
Looking for more unique places in Texas to explore? You’re in luck. There are lots of unique destinations in the Lone Star State worthy of a spot on your bucket list, including a few abandoned places in Texas. These ruins in Texas are one such spot that is just begging for you to come explore.
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Address: Franklin Mountains State Park, Tom Mays Park Access Rd, El Paso, TX 79930, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tin Mines In El Paso January 26, 2023 Daniella DiRienzo Aside from the El Paso Tin Mines, are there any other unique places to go hiking in Texas? When it comes to hiking in Texas, there are lots of great options. Here are a few of the best places to go hiking in Texas:
The Lighthouse Trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park Enchanted Rock Summit Trail in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend National Park Guadalupe Peak Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park Gorman Falls Trail in Colorado Bend State Park Santa Elena Canyon Trail in Big Bend National Park
Are there any other hidden gems in Texas worthy of a visit? The El Paso Tin Mines isn’t the only hidden gem in Texas worth exploring. There are several others. Here are some of the best hidden gems in Texas:
Boca Chica Beach in Brownsville Trinity River Park in Dallas Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs C. Lindsey and Co. General Store in Waskom Cattail Falls in Big Bend Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in San Antonio
The OIYS Visitor Center
Tin Mines In El Paso
January 26, 2023
Daniella DiRienzo
Aside from the El Paso Tin Mines, are there any other unique places to go hiking in Texas? When it comes to hiking in Texas, there are lots of great options. Here are a few of the best places to go hiking in Texas:
The Lighthouse Trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park Enchanted Rock Summit Trail in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend National Park Guadalupe Peak Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park Gorman Falls Trail in Colorado Bend State Park Santa Elena Canyon Trail in Big Bend National Park
Are there any other hidden gems in Texas worthy of a visit? The El Paso Tin Mines isn’t the only hidden gem in Texas worth exploring. There are several others. Here are some of the best hidden gems in Texas:
Boca Chica Beach in Brownsville Trinity River Park in Dallas Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs C. Lindsey and Co. General Store in Waskom Cattail Falls in Big Bend Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in San Antonio
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When it comes to hiking in Texas, there are lots of great options. Here are a few of the best places to go hiking in Texas:
- The Lighthouse Trail in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
- Enchanted Rock Summit Trail in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
- Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend National Park
- Guadalupe Peak Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
- Gorman Falls Trail in Colorado Bend State Park
- Santa Elena Canyon Trail in Big Bend National Park
Are there any other hidden gems in Texas worthy of a visit?
The El Paso Tin Mines isn’t the only hidden gem in Texas worth exploring. There are several others. Here are some of the best hidden gems in Texas:
- Boca Chica Beach in Brownsville
- Trinity River Park in Dallas
- Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs
- C. Lindsey and Co. General Store in Waskom
- Cattail Falls in Big Bend
- Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in San Antonio